A shipwreck on the Isle of Man which took place two centuries ago that proved to be a catalyst in the formation of the RNLI was yesterday (14th December) recognised with an unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the tragedy.
The British Royal Navy Brig of War, HMS Racehorse had sank off Langness during a storm in 1822 resulting in the deaths of 9 crewmen - which included three men from Castletown Harbour who had set sail to rescue the crew of the brig in which 98 men had survived..
The event encouraged Sir William Hillary to write to King George IV and the Admiralty for a national maritime lifesaving organisation which subsequently evolved into the RNLI in 1824.
The plaque was unveiled on the quay next to the Castletown Harbour Office.
Manx Radio has more on the bicentenary anniversary including an audio clip from the former Chief Minister Tony Brown who is the chair of the Commemoration Group.
Afloat adds today, (15th December) that a special public HM Brig of War Racehorse Exhibition will be held in Castletown’s Civic Hall where admission is free.
The exhibition according to Manx National Heritage will be open every day from 11.00am to 3.00pm, Monday to Saturday* inclusive, from today through to 30th December 2022 (* excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day).
Also there will be a church service commemorating the loss of HM Racehorse and acknowledging maritime heritage and the RNLI will be held at Kirk Malew (where the local men are buried) at 9.30am on Sunday, 18th December.
